Producer Alison Owen Will Deliver Keynote At London Film FestivalThe London Film Festival has announced that UK producer Alison Owen will deliver the keynote address later this month. Owen produced Saving Mr. Banks, the Tom Hanks-Emma Thompson starrer that closes the festival in its world premiere. Other sidebar events include Focus On Sustainability, which will be introduced by Colin Firth; cross-media forum Power To The Pixel; the Film London Production Finance Market; Understanding Kickstarter; and piracy and distribution workshop FindAnyFilm.com

Production Begins On ‘The Almost Impossible Gameshow’Pilot
Viacom International Media Networks has started production on Comedy Central pilot The Almost Impossible Gameshow. The format was created and is produced by Endemol’s UK production company Initial. It features contestants who are given multiple attempts to complete five physical challenges for a cash prize. Executive producers are Steve Regan, VP Production at VIMN UK, and Lourdes Diaz, VP Development and Production for Comedy Central. At Initial, the show will be produced by Chris Lore and executive produced by Endemol UK’s head of entertainment Shaun Parry.

UIP Norway Ups Simen Rognerud To GM
Simen Rognerud has been appointed General Manager of UIP Norway. He joined the company in December 2010 as Sales Manager. Prior to UIP, Rognerud worked in the Norwegian publishing sector. In his new post, he will report to Steve Summersby, SVP Distribution EMEA at Universal Pictures International, and Edward Ryan, SVP EMEA at Paramount Pictures International.